"Written in her own words, this spectacular picture book by budding ornithologist and artist Olivia Bouler is a unique field guide to backyard and endangered birds... it brings the beauty of more than fifty different birds to life and celebrates her brave efforts to save those affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill... Also included are easy-to-do, everyday ways kids of all ages can get involved, take a stand, and make the world a cleaner, safer, better place."

T antalizing taste:

"In April 2010, my grandparents told me about a giant oil spill that had happened in the Gulf of Mexico, deep under the water. The oil was going to hurt all kinds of marine animals that lived there, including birds like pelicans that have just come off the endangered species lists. I got really upset. My first memory of birds is of the Brown Pelicans and the Great Blue Herons that live in Alabama. My granny and granddad would take me fishing and show me those beautiful birds. Who was going to save them?"

and something more: During this season of giving, I thought it was particularly appropriate to highlight Olivia Bouler's generous gifts of her time, efforts, and creativity. The "About the Author" of Olivia's Birds Saving the Gulf states that "... Olivia received the ASPCA's 'Tommy P. Monahan' Kid of the Year Award for her commitment and dedication to animal welfare. She currently spends much of her time working on various environmental efforts and attending speaking engagements aross the country on behalf of bird and wildlife advocacy. To date, Olivia has drawn over 120 different species of birds and created over 500 paintings to raise more than $150,000 for her Save the Gulf campaign." Bravo! What a great role model for other kids AND adults. My favorite illustration painted by Olivia is the watercolor of the three vivid blue birds swirling around the globe. Terrific!

2 comments:

It's always wonderful to be this passionate about a cause - and even more so when one begins at a very young age. I would definitely look for this book and share this with my teacher-students. Very inspiring. :)

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occupation: first and foremost... children's book author. Also SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) school group docent and Council Member, public library Board of Trustee member, former middle school Language Arts and Writing Workshop teacher and high-tech attorney

represented by: the fabulous Deborah Warren of East West Literary Agencyloves: children's literature, SCBWI, the beauty and power of words, modern art and architecture, chocolate, exploring new places, adventures, hiking, flower gardens, zumba, modern dance classes, my wonderful family and friends and adopted Humane Society tabby cat AND writing a true tale ... with something more!

And here's my picture book about a stellar Steller Sea Lion, a true story ...

illustrated by Shennen Bersani

ASTRO book award!

2011 Gold Mom's Choice Award

Tells the true tale of a stellar Steller sea lion, a threatened species. Only days old when found orphaned, Astro is cared for at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. When big enough to be released, he has other plans! Astro swims back towards the Center and even joins a walk-a-thon! The book tells of his journey to his current home at the Mystic Aquariumin Connecticut.